Casually perusing the Webb Center, many students here at Old Dominion University seemed to be more solidified on their exam schedule than their plans starting March 6 for Spring Break.
“At this point, a week out, I still do not have my Spring Break plans set in stone,” said Tom Anderson, a graduate student. Fortunately for Anderson, although nothing is determined he has options.
“I love adventure and I love traveling. I was hoping to maybe go to either Brazil or South America, or possibly visit my brother in California. If I were to go to Brazil, I would definitely get some beach time and maybe get some hiking in. I have a lot of ideas, but I’m still trying to figure out exactly what I want to do,” he said. Traditionally Spring Break for college students has been associated with the beach, booze, and babes.
However, because of the uncharacteristically cold weather here in Virginia and difficult economic times, most students are unsure what they plan to do during their week-long vacation.
“Hmm, haven’t thought about that yet,” is the most common response among the students who were asked. Many of these coffee strungout
scholars are either unaware that break is fast approaching, or gave the question more thought than an SAT problem. In many instances, previously made plans were tossed, as the money ran low and cost became an issue.
“I was going to go snowboarding, but I’m too poor. It came up to go snowboarding, but then it was too expensive,” senior Whitney Parks lamented. Junior Joel Alvarenga was excited about extravagant plans, but recently was snapped back to reality after checking his bank account. “I thought about going down south to Florida, maybe Mexico, but that’s some money. And I’m just a college kid, you know? I’m pretty poor,” he
said.
Some students, like sophomore Ashleigh McNeil, are disappointed about their plans falling through, yet see the break as an opportunity to accumulate some cash. “I’m just staying here in Norfolk and working. I was supposed to go to Florida, but my job scheduled me and I could use the money,” McNeil said. Despite low cash flow, the time off is welcomed, and most plan to make the most of it.
“I’m going home to visit my family. All my friends from high school will be home so I’m very excited—it will be low key, but I’m
excited,” Parks said.
Alvarenga plans to do the same. “I’m just going to go home, probably go snowboarding, maybe meet a couple of friends and have a good
time. It’s just spur of the moment,” she said. Then, there are the minority. Students who have plans and intend to see them through. Preparation and organization seem to be a common theme in scoring an ideal trip over the vacation. “I booked a snowboarding trip
with some of my friends from the Eastern Shore. We’ve been planning this for a while. We rented a cabin in Massanutten. I’m pumped because I usually ski, but this time I’m learning how to snowboard,” said senior Jake Floyd. Others students like sophomore Kateyln Onks have plans to visit friends and do a little partying. “I’m going to New London, Conn., by the coast guard academy to see a friend. They’re having a
military ball there, so I’m accompanying him. ”
Regardless of spring break plans, I’m sure everyone will be breathing a collective sigh of relief once exams are through.
